In-depth review
Outward Hound Lickin' Layers Review (2027)
In-depth review of the Lickin' Layers: a Level 2 three-tier feeder that holds 2 cups and triples as lick mat, slow feeder, and puzzle.
Outward Hound Lickin' Layers Puzzle Feeder
Three spinning tiers that work as a lick mat, slow feeder, and puzzle at once.
Our verdict
Lickin' Layers is the Nina Ottosson line folding three products into one: a lick surface for soft foods, a slow feeder for full 2-cup meals, and a spinning Level 2 puzzle for kibble. Dogs that have mastered a maze bowl get a new job without owners buying a second device.
What we like
- 3-in-1 design combines a lick mat, a slow feeder bowl, and a spinning puzzle
- Three tiers rotate to hide food across dozens of compartments
- Holds up to 2 cups, enough for a full meal for medium and large dogs
- Food-safe plastic free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and dishwasher friendly
What to watch out for
- Best for medium and large dogs; small dogs may find the tiers heavy to spin
- Soft-food freezing sessions need supervision like any lick product
- Hand-check the spinning post after washing so tiers seat correctly
What owners report: Outward Hound Lickin' Layers Puzzle Feeder
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Three spinning tiers let owners combine licking, foraging and a slower meal in a single toy
- Holding up to two cups makes it a true meal feeder for medium and large dogs rather than just a treat toy
- Dishwasher friendly plastic keeps a multi part puzzle from becoming a washing burden
Common complaints
- Small dogs may lack the weight and paw strength to spin the loaded tiers comfortably
- Frozen soft food sessions still need supervision like any other lick based product
- If the center post is not seated properly after washing the tiers wobble instead of gliding
Who it is for
Owners of medium and large dogs who want one feeder that covers calming licks and slower meals.
Three jobs, one footprint
Most feeders in this category do one thing. Lickin' Layers stacks three spinning tiers that present textured lick surfaces on top and hidden compartments beneath, so the same toy serves a frozen yogurt session on Saturday and a slowed-down kibble dinner on Tuesday.
Meal capacity and difficulty
At up to 2 cups it holds a genuine meal for medium and large dogs, and the Level 2 rating puts it a step above maze bowls: dogs must rotate tiers in sequence rather than simply licking around ridges, which stretches both mealtime and focus.
Care and caveats
The food-safe plastic is free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates and is listed as dishwasher friendly, and the tiers can be frozen with soft foods for longer sessions. It is sized for medium and large dogs, and like every puzzle here it is a supervised toy, not a chew.
Key specifications
- Difficulty
- Nina Ottosson Level 2 (intermediate)
- Design
- 3 spinning tiers, lick mat plus puzzle
- Capacity
- Up to 2 cups
- Size
- Approx. 10.4 in diameter
- Material
- Food-safe plastic, BPA/PVC/phthalate free
- Pets
- Dogs, medium and large
Sources: Amazon, Ubuy, Desertcart, CamelCamelCamel
Also consider
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
The classic maze bowl that stretches meals up to ten times longer.
Why consider it: The simpler Level 1 maze bowl, if your dog is new to slow feeding entirely.
- Capacity: Up to 4 cups (large); smaller sizes 3/4 to 2 cups
- Material: Food-safe ABS plastic, BPA/PVC/phthalate free
LickiMat Soother
A nub-textured lick mat that turns spreadable treats into calm minutes.
Why consider it: A dedicated lick mat, if calming soft-food sessions are the whole goal.
- Size: Approx. 8 x 8 in
- Material: Food-grade TPR rubber
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
How much food does Lickin' Layers hold?
Up to 2 cups across its three tiers, which covers a full meal for most medium and large dogs.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
Retailer documentation lists it as dishwasher friendly, and the tiers also freeze well with soft foods spread on the lick surfaces.